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Barge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barge

[bɑːdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on water

A flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight, typically on canals and rivers.

Synonyms

boat, ship, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barge

Used when referring to a flat-bottomed boat, often for carrying cargo on rivers and canals.

  • The barge was loaded with coal
  • They used a barge to transport the goods along the river
boat

A general term for any small to medium-sized vessel used on water. Suitable for casual conversations or non-specific references to watercraft.

  • They took a boat out on the lake
  • We rented a boat for the weekend
vessel

A formal or technical term for any type of watercraft, typically used in professional or official contexts.

  • The vessel is registered in Panama
  • They inspected the vessel for any signs of damage
ship

Refers to a large, sea-going vessel, often used for transportation of goods or passengers over long distances.

  • The ship set sail for Europe
  • The cargo ship is expected to arrive next week

Examples of usage

  • The barge was loaded with coal for transport down the river.
  • The barge slowly made its way through the canal, carrying barrels of goods.
Context #2 | Verb

forceful

Move forcefully or roughly.

Synonyms

push, ram, shove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barge

Use this when describing forcefully moving into a place or interrupting someone, often rudely or abruptly.

  • He barged into the meeting without knocking.
  • She suddenly barged into the conversation.
push

Use this for general situations where you move something or someone by applying force, either physically or metaphorically.

  • He pushed the door open.
  • We need to push harder to achieve our goals.
shove

Use this to describe pushing someone or something roughly or carelessly. It often has a negative connotation.

  • She shoved him out of the way.
  • The crowd shoved and pushed to get through the door.
ram

Use this when describing hitting something forcefully, usually with a large object or vehicle. It often implies deliberate and aggressive action.

  • The car rammed into the wall.
  • He rammed the gate with a battering ram.

Examples of usage

  • She barge into the room without knocking.
  • The bull barge through the gate into the field.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Originally, the term 'barge' comes from the Latin word 'barca,' meaning boat.
  • Barges have been used since ancient times, prominently in European rivers for trade and transportation.
  • During the Middle Ages, barges in cities like Venice were essential for moving people and goods due to limited roads.

Engineering

  • Barges are uniquely designed with a flat bottom, allowing them to navigate shallow waters where other boats cannot.
  • Modern barges can be pushed or towed by tugboats, which adds to their versatility in transporting heavy cargo.
  • Some barges are equipped with motors, while others are traditional and rely entirely on human or animal power for movement.

Economic Impact

  • Barges are a cost-effective way to transport goods over water, often carrying more cargo than trucks, reducing shipping costs.
  • The use of barges can help decrease road congestion, making them an environmentally friendly alternative for heavy freight.
  • In the United States, the Mississippi River system is a key route for barge transportation, boosting agriculture and trade.

Pop Culture

  • Barges have appeared in various media, symbolizing leisurely river trips or the working class in documentaries.
  • The popularity of barge cruising has grown, especially in Europe, offering tourists a unique way to see cities from the water.
  • In literature, barges often symbolize journey and adventure, showcasing the importance of waterways in exploration.

Environmental Factors

  • Barges play a role in reducing carbon footprints by utilizing waterways rather than roads for transport.
  • They can help with flood control by regulating the flow of water, especially in man-made waterways.
  • Some environmental initiatives involve converting barges into floating gardens or habitats to support marine life.

Origin of 'barge'

The word 'barge' originated from Old French 'barge', which in turn came from Latin 'barga' meaning 'a type of boat'. Barges have been used for centuries as a means of transporting goods along waterways, particularly canals and rivers. They have played a significant role in the development of trade and commerce in various regions.

See also: bar, barb, barbel, baron, barred, barrel, barrier, bars, rebar.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,672 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.